Night after night of sold-out crowds turned out to watch the pantomime in Peel earlier this month.

The Peel Pantoloons performed its own raucous version of Peter Pan at the Peel Centenary Centre between December 1 and December 8 and, over the six performances, there wasn’t a spare seat to be had.

Children howled in laughter as Tim Keyes, who played the part of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, grappled with the dastardly Captain Hook, played by Andy Whitmore and his band of pirate henchmen, led by the bumbling Smee, played by Victoria Reynolds.

Suzy Lucas appeared as the Panto dame, Mabel McVitie, and supplied all the risque jokes expected.

Erin Kelly appeared in her first pantomime as Wendy Darling, and she enjoyed some funny moments with the stroppy fairy Tinkerbell, played by Michelle Cain.

In typical Peel Pantoloons style, the pantomime was carried out with tremendous energy and real sense of fun, with the cast sometimes barely able to stop themselves from bursting out in laughter on stage.

The play was directed by Mel Read, who herself appeared as the crocodile.

She said she was delighted with how the play went.

’We were lucky to have brilliant audiences this year’ said Mel.

’They really got into it, and it was wonderful to hear all the kids laughing like mad at some of the scenes.

’I loved singing our song "The 12 Pains of Christmas"with everyone at the end of each show too, with everyone getting into the spirit of the show.’

Mel thanked all the cast and the backstage crew for their hard work and enthusiasm.

by Mike Wade

Twitter: @iomnewspapers